Body-bolster construction



Patented Apr. 9, 1929.

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FREDERXCK W'. CllRISlt/'lilla OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTN, ASSIGNOR T() PACIFIC CAR AND FOUlll'DR/Y CCRMPANY, OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON.

BODY-BOLETER CONSTRUCTION.

.application filed January 19, 1326. Serial No. 821.223.

My invention relates to a body bolster con struction constituting part of a car unden frame, particularly designed for use in logging and other cars where a rugged support is required for a bunk or similar transverse load supporting member.

The invention comprises an improvement in kno un forms of bolster construct-ion where the body bolster proper is centered on a truck, supports a center sill, and the opposite sides of which engage bolster brackets which forni cantilever extensions `from opposite ends of the body bolster. In such known constructions the center sills which usually are, or contain, wooden beams, are secured to theoutstanding brackets. The position of these brackets relative to both the supporting bolster and to the supported bunk, are thus necessarily controlled by the width of the center sill. its these wooden center sills vary in width, it is not possible to provide for a standard form of bolster to fit any of the usual characters of center sill.

Accordingly the primary object of the invention to provide simple forni of fabri cated bracket form of bolster structure which can be formed as a standardized unit, capable of receiving center sills of variable width and oil various types, and which at the same time zal ng strains from thebunk or similar load ig member directly to the bolster and without necessity of utilizing),- the center sill as a partof the strain transmitting means.

liroadly ll attain this object by providing a bolster assembly for logging cars which includes a fabriczuied bolster of the type having outstanding cantilever brackets, but which distinguishes from known sii'nilar structures in that there is no necessary connection between the brackets and the center sill. lDifferently expressed, the invention features a will provide a ru wed construction. for trans-` i falnicated bolster w rich will provide a support for different types of center' sills but which will be otherwise independent of the` center sills.

Another object of the invention is to provide, 'in a structure of the type outlined, a form of bolster ln'acket designed to give 1naXimuni strength in those portions where distoi-ting` iins are most likel;v to develop and at the same time to form a bracket which. will be light in weight; 'which may be conveniently 'formed of a single casting an d which will fea ture an economic disposition of the metal used to brace the casting against bending or breakage.

An incidental object of the invention is to provide a bolster bracket reinforced as usual by integral webs or anges, but inwhich these webs or flanges are disposed and arranged toperform functions other than reinforcing features, such as to provide elements of bearings, connectors for tie rods, seats for side sills, and the like.

l further object of the inventionis the provision of a bolster bracket so formed as to provide a seat for receiving and supporting a side sill and alsoto provide supporting means for truss rods or the like for retaining the sills against displacement.

Various otiier objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from an inspection of the accompanying drawings and in part will be more fully set forth in the following particular description of one form of mechanism embodying niy invention, and the invention also consists in certain new and novel features of construction and combination of parts hereinafter set forth and claimed.

ln the accompanying drawings Figure l is a view in elevation of a bolster and bracket parts constructed in accordance with. my in vcntion, certain parts being shown in section.

l? 9. is a fragmentary top plan View of the bolster assembly, certain parts being shown in broken lines, the view also showing fragnientary portions of the center beams.

lfio. 3 is an ond elevation of the bolster- 'memben certain parts that are associated therewith being shown by broken lines, and,

Fig. 4f is a detail section, showing a portion of the bracket, a portion ofthe body bolster and a portion of one of the center beams showing the arrangement of the several parts.

In the following; description and in the claims parts will be identified by specific names for convenience of expression but they are intended to be as generic in their application to similar parts as the art will permit.

rlhe drawings disclose a bolster assembly for a car of the type hereinbefore mentioned which comprises a body bolster' 'l0 journalled as indicated at l1 in the truck bolster 12 and in other respects corresponding to the usual structure of these parts. The top 13 of the :bolster is designed to support a center sill 16 Which in the instance shown is of conventional construction. Obviously the top .of the bolster may be flat or it may be designed to receive someparticular form of center sill. In the form of the invention herein selected for illustration the center sill is of a three beam type and comprises a central wooden beam 17 and outer wooden beams 18 and 19. The center sill construction also `includes I-beams`20 and l21 positioned between the center beam 17 and the outer beams y18 and 19 and resting on the body bolster 10. lPositioned at opposite ends of the bolster are brackets 23 and Qliwhich coact to form cantilever extensions from `opposite ends of the bolster. p

The brackets are identical in form, hence a description of one will suffice for both, and now referring to the brackets in detail, each `comprises a-top plate 2G having an opening 43 l.formed therein arranged adjacent the inner end thereof. The top plate is provided with a depending flange or 'web indicated generally at 27 which extends substantially from end'to end of the plate and is arranged mid- Way between the sides thereof. At the rear or inner end of the bracket, the flange 27 is formed into an end plate which is arranged at substantially right angles to the rear end vof the flange 27, and in the positioning of the bracket on the body bolster, the flange or end vplate '50 is'normallv spaced from the beam 18 las clearly shownr'in 'Fig'. t. The bracket is also 'provided with aV supporting base 30 which extends at substantially right angles to the flange 27 and is arranged parallel to the top plate 26; vthe supportingbase 30 serving `to mount the bracket on 'the end portion of the body bolster '10,: as clearly shown in Figs. 1

vand 4. Adjacent the forward edge of the base plate 30, a shoulder 25 is formed which, when the bracket is positioned on the body bolster 10, engages the end of the body bolster 1() tov position the bracket onthe'body bolster-*with 'the end plate 50 in spaced relation as heretofore mentioned. The llange 27'as before-mentioned extends Atothe outer end of the top plate 2G and is providedV with spaced perforated bosses 37 and 38 through which the ends of truss,

frods 39 extend to be secured by nuts 39 (see Fig; 3

Fig. 1). vFrom the description just given, it will beA apparent that the side sill 36 may be lslipped into the space between the top' plate Y26 and the bottom plate 52 to be supported therein and the same, is retained against outward shifting bv the truss rods 3i). As shown in Fig. 3, a web 54 is provided which extends between and is preferably formed integral with the top plate 2G, the flange 27 and the bottom plate 52, to define a recess 35 for receiving the end of the sill 36; the web positioning the sill and the before-mentioned truss rods preventing displacement thereof.

The liange Q7, as shown in Fig. l, inclinea upwardly from the rear end of the bracket toward the outer end, and a portion thereof is cut away to define an opening l.il which is arranged beneath. the opening 13 heretofore mentioned. For reinforcing purposes as well as for permitting the egress of chips or the like from the bunk hereinafter mentioned, the edge of the flange about said ope/nin;r 4t is provided with a flange or web Q8 which is of gradually increasing width toward the. rear of the bracket, as shown clearly in Fig. f2, the Harige 28 terminating in a vertical flange 29 arranged adjacent the inner end of the opening` 44, and of course, positioned at substantially right angles to the portion 56 of the flange 27, the flange 9.9 serving,r to brace the bracket and being arranged substantially parallel to the end plate 50 of the bracket. The

flange 27 is further provided with reinforcing ribs'd arranged in the, angle formed by the base 30 and the flange 2T as clearly shown in Fig. 1. For securing the bracket to the body bolster, bolts 31 are provided which extend through the base 30 and body bolster l0.

It will be apparenttrom the above description that the tops or upper surfaces ot the bra-#kots forni transversely spaced apart wide flat fnrfaces for receiving and supporting a bunk -10 or other load supporting member. The lower suriace of eacb end of the bolster `1 0 flattened, as shown in Fig. 1, to provide an upper clement U11; of an inside bearing, the bearing elements 33 and 3l being adapted and so arranged as to cooperate with lower bearing elements 58 and (l0 respectively on the truck bolster 12.

There it is desired to support the bunk at its mid-lenl th,.the top of the center sills may be formed flat and leveled with thel top of the brackets to provide a center support.

In operation itv will be understood that the bolster structure herein disclosed is fabricated by assembling the bolster proper and securing the brackets in position as illustrated. The unit thus constructed is positioned on the truck bolster following convcn tional practice, after which the center sills are positioned and secured directly to the bolffter in the space between the outstanding brackets. The center sill may be se.-urcd directly to the bolster proper by bolts `rl1 inserted through suitable bolt holes formed in the center portion ofthe bolster. The side sills which have had their ends fashioned to lit in the recesses lltl in the brackets are disposed in position and secured to the seat, it desired. The ends of the side sills abut against the ilange 2i' and in this Way the side sills act as spacing means ior the bolster assemblies at opposite ends ot the car undertrame. The load supporting member or bunk is positioned on the top plates and Fixed thereto to extend across the center sills. The bunk may be secured at opposite ends by bolts passed through the bolt holes l2 termed in the top plates of the brackets and the parts may otherwise be secured tolloivin conventional practice. The bunk may be 'secured to the center sills, itt desired, and in this iva y there is provided a support for the bunk contimious from end to end.

By means ot a bolster construction oit the type disclosed it is possible to design a cantilever lorm ot bolster in which the brackets may be accurately located on the main holster, and secured thereto in that preset position best suited to receive and transmit those' shocks and strains which it is intended to receive and at the same time to accommodate between the brackets any ot the usual size and iorm of center sills. This disclosure further features an economical diflzposition oit the metal used to obtain strength with lightness in Weight and the formation ot an all-steel bolster structure which Will coact with the Wooden sills and other associated undertrame struc tures to provide a rugged and easily manufactured car structure.

rllie entire assemblage shown herein, includin g the truck bolster and the body bolster as serubly, provides an arrangement et parts in which strains or stresses to which it may be subjected are taken up and equally distributed by means ot the several bearings shown clearly in llig. l the bearings including; inner and outer side bearings together with the cen- `ter bearings, and it will be apparent that any weight on the bolster assembly is evenly distributed due to the specific arrangement ot parts.

lo remove the side sill 36, in the event that it is necessary to do so, release the tension on `the tie rods 39 and remove the same and then slide the sill sidewise through the open end ot the Webbed recess 35. lt will be obvious that a new sill can be replaced Without very much labor or expense. I

lilhile ll have shown and described, and have pointed out in the annexed claims, certain novel features of my invention, it will be imderstood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the torni and details ot the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the artI Without depa rtinp; trom the spirit of the invention.

ltlhat l claim is:

l. lin a car undia'irame, the combination oi a far body bolster, a center sill. supported centrally thereon, brackets carried at eppoi site ends ot' the bolster, a bunk supported on the center sill and brackets, said bracket-s being' in spaced relation to, and independent of, the center sill and said center sill substantially :Filling the space between the brackets and coactingj with the brackets to provide a substantially continuous support tor the bunk.

2. In a `car undcrtrame, the combination ot' a body bolster provided on the underside ot' its outer end `with an element of an inside bearing and the upper surface ot which is provided at eue end with a seat attbi-ding a stop shoulder, a bolster bracket havinpv its inner portion engaging said seat, and abutting` said shoulder to prevent invmrd movement, means ior securing the bracket to the bolster, and said bracket extemlingbeyond the bolster and provided with a depending portion termini.;l an element ot an outside bearing,- in spaced relation to the inside bear-- ing,t element provided by the bracket.

3. In a car un dcrjtrame, a body bolster coustruction including' a central member and otuistanding,` brackets supported at opposite ends oit the central member and coiiistituting cantilever extensions projectingv beyond the ends thereof, means for securing,l the brackets to the central member, said brackets being` spaced apart to provide a space therebetween for accomn'iodating a Center sill, a center sill supported directly on the central member, and having` a Width slightly less than the distance between the brackets and a bunk supported at its outer ends on the outer ends ot the brackets. i

il. lin a car undertrame, a body bolster having a wide horizontal central portion rcducinp1 outwardly in width to a relatively narrow end portion providing,`V a bracket scat, a bracket including a relatively Wide top plate and. a depending web sumiorted on the narrow end portion ot the bolster and means tor securing' the bracket to the bolster.

o. ln a car undeitraine, un all-steel bolster cruistruction complete per se and independeru; o l any sill structure, said bolster construction being` a 'fabricated unit and comprising1 a central member, a pair of brackets supported at opposite ends ot the central member and providingl cantilever extensions therefrom, tasteningv means securingl the brackets to the central member, said brackets beineY spaced ap uit to provide a space ttor accommodating therein a center sill and the top oit' said ceuter member iacing said space constituting a seat ii'or rccei ving1 the center sill and said center member provided .vith bolt holes adapted to receive bolts tor fastening thecenten sill directly to toe center member.

G. ln a car body bolster, the combination oit a body bolster, a bracket secured to the outer end et the bolster and coi yutingi a cantilever extension therefrom, said bracket includinga top plate, a web depending centrally oi the plate and transversely entendn ing webs for'bracing the plate laterally and ahorizontally extending bottom web coacting to form a seat. for receiving a side sill.

7 In a car ,body bolster, the combination of a body bolster, a bracket secured to the outer end of the bolster and constituting a cantilever extension therefrom, said bracket including a top plate, a web depending centrally and longitudinally from the underside of the plate and transversely extending webs for bracing the plate laterally, the low-er end of one of said transverse webs constituting the upper element of an outside bearing "8; In a car body bolster, the combination of a bodybolster, a bracket secured to the outer end of the bolster and constituting a cantilever extension therefrom, said bracket including a top plate, a web depending centrally and longitudinally from theunderside of the plate and transversely extending' webs for bracing the plate laterally and said longitudinal web provided with an opening for receiving atie rod. l I

9. In af car underfranie, the combination of a body bolster, a one-piece bracket secured to the outer end of the bolster, said bracket provid-ed with a sea-t for receiving a side sill. and provided with an upper element of an outside bearing positioned directly below the 30 seat.y f

^ 10. In a car underframe, a bolster bracket provided with a vertically disposed webplate'having Ywebs extending laterally from opposite sides thereof, certain of said webs forming a side-sill receiving seat on one side thereof and another of said Webs forming a bearing element said web-plate constituting Y an abutment for thel end of the side sill.

i 11. In a car frame, a bolster bracket provided with a top plate, a web plate increasing in' depth from' a point intermediate its ends towards one end, said end of increased depth depending therefrom, said plateprovided with horizontal enlargements extending vlaterally from opposite sides thereof and jecting beyondthe bolster, said wide spreading` bottom Ybeing provided with flanges for securing the inner ends of the bracket to the outer end of the bolster. Y 1

13. In a car underframe, a bolster bracket provided with a long rectangular-top plate, aweb plate depending integrally and longitudinally therefrom, the underside of said web plate being recessed to provide space to accommodate part of the truck frame above the bottom of the bracket, and said web plate provided with a tie-rod receiving opening, and means integral with the web plate for reinforcing the recessed part of the sume adjacent the opening.

14. An all metal vbolster construction including a central member, a bracket constituting a cantilever extension from one end thereof, the outer end of saidv bracket depending below the top of the central member to form an element of an outside bearing, means for locating the bracket on the central member with said element spaced outwardly from the same and means for securing the racket in its located position.

1 5. A bolster construction including a body bolster provided with an element of an inside bearing, a bracket constituting a cantilever extension from the bolster, means for securing the bracket to the bolster, said bracket including a depending portion at its outer end in spaced relation to the inner bearing and constituting an element of an outer bearing.

1G. A bolster bracket in the form of a single casting comprising a top plate, a. longitudinally extending web plate depending there` from and recessed on its underside to form an inner and on outer portion and reinforcing elements extending integrally and laterally from both portions of the web plate, means for securing the bracket through one of said reinforcing elements on the inner portion to a bolster and one of the reintorcin g elements on the outer portion and beneath the top plate constituting a means for receiving a longitudinal element of a ca r underframe construction.

17. A bolsterl construction comprising a body bolster having a. wide center portion constituting a center sill seat, and an end portion constituting a bracket seat and project-ing beyond the bolster' end, a bracket having a relatively narrow bottom portion resting on the narrow bracketseat and having a top plate substantially as wide as the center portion of the body bolster.

18. In a car of the kind described, a bolster assembly comprising a bottom member, cantilever extensions secured to said member and each provided with a side bearing portion at its end, side sill positioning means formed with the extensions, and perforated bosses formed integral with said extensions and adapted to receive and support truss rods at each side of a side sill to prevent displacement of the latter.

19. A bolster assembly comprising a bot.- tom member having a. side bearing portion at each end thereof, a bracket section secured to each end of the bottom member and pro vided with a side bearing portion at its end spaced from the before-mentioned side bearing portion, said bracket sections each having an opening through the upper surface thereof and being provided with a web having an l'iO opening therethrough in coincidence With the before-mentioned opening, side sill positioning` ianges orined with the bracket sections, and perforated bosses torined with the brachet sections and adapted to receive and support truss rods at each side of a side sill.

20. rlhe combination with a truck bolster having spaced side bearing portions near its ends, of a body bolster secured thereto and provided with side bearing,` portions near its ends cooperaf-ing- 'with certain et the side bearing portions on the truclr bolster, cantilever extensions connected with said body bolster' and each having a side bearing1 port-ion spaced from the body bolster and so arranged as to cooperate with the other truck bolster side bearing` portions.

2].. ln combination, a truck bols-ter, a body bolster' secured thereto, cantilever extensions connected with the body bolster, spaced side bearing portions at each end oi the trucl'; bolster, and side bearing portions at the ends or the body bolster and at the end of each cantilever extension registering with the side bearing portions ot the truck bolster.

22. ln combination, a truclr bolster having spaced side bearing portions near each end thereof, a body bolster secured to the truck bolster, bracket sections rigidly secured to the body bolster and each provided with an opening through the upper portion thereof, said bracket sections including` a Web provided with an aperture in coincidence with the before-mentioned opening, and side bearingI portions i'ornied with the body bolster and bracket sections 'for cooperation with the side bearing portions of the truck bolster.

23. A bolster assembly comprising a body bolster having side bearing portions near each end thereof, cantilever extensions secured to the body bolster and provided `with openings therethrough, and a side bearingl portion :l'orined with each extension.

ln witness whereof, l hereunto subscribe iny naine this 4th day ol Jani'iary, A. D. i926.

FREDERICK W. CHRISi/VELL. 

